The Defence Secretary of the United States (US), Pete Hegseth, along with Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, gave updates on the war between the US and Iran on Thursday, at the first Pentagon briefing since the blockade of Iranian ports by the US.
While giving updates on the US-Iran war, he said that the US is ready to restart combat if needed. He reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to own nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
‘We are lock and loaded for Iran,’ Hegseth said. He further added that the ‘US will maintain the blockade for as long as it takes,’ further urging Iran to choose wisely. ‘The world should open its eyes to US successes,’ he added.
It was also informed during the briefing that the blockade applies to all ships meddling with Iran.
He said that Iran’s energy industry has not been completely destroyed, and exports are being stopped by the American blockade.
‘We will maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as long as necessary. The US Navy has control over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The US has a powerful navy; Iran no longer has one. I hope you will make an agreement that is within your reach,’ he added.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dean Caine said that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is for all ships that enter or leave Iranian ports.
‘The blockade is implemented both in Iran’s territorial waters and international waters; the blockade is for all ships, regardless of which country they belong to,’ he added.
General Dean Caine added that the US military is ready for any action against Iran and will pursue any ship that tries to provide assistance to Iran.
